Coal fired power plant: A review on coal blending and emission issues

Nuclear power is an undisputedly clean source of energy. However, the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident serves as a reality check to most developed countries that have nuclear power plants to rethink their power strategy due to the huge environmental impact it has if accidents happen. With this scenario, coal will still be relevant in power industry for many years to come. However, getting good quality coal economically has become a challenge. Coal blending practice will help to achieve the objective of getting enough coal for the boiler with correct quality. Optimizing the coal combustion in power plant will improve its efficiency and lead to reduction of greenhouse gases in the flue gas. One of the main objective in the coal combustion research is to develop techniques that help power plant operators utilizes coal cleanly and efficiently. Coal combustion also associated with green house emission or pollutants. CO, CO2, NOx and SO2 are major gases emitted by coal combustion. The operators need to ensure the desired power output is achieved and at the same time, maintaining the strict emission standard at all time. This paper will discuss the pulverized coal combustion and process involved. Coal blending practice among the power plant also will be discussed and reviewed. Further discussion on coal combustion emission and optimization techniques will also be discussed. It can be said that coal blending practice and emission control techniques are essential in ensuring sustainable coal plant operation for years to come.